Lewis and Clark

The 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) is approaching. In recognition the Forest Service has opened a new Interpretive Center in Great Falls MT on the Missouri River. The five falls at Great Falls were a huge obstacle for the Corps of Discovery. From the Indians’ descriptions, L & C guessed the portage would take half a day. It was 18.5 miles long and took a month! And they did it without espresso.

The Interpretive Center grows native plants along the river, and displays expedition and Indian artifacts. Here is a water bag (7 inches) Mandan Indians made by drying the outer membrane of a buffalo’s heart.

Though they mostly kept to the rivers, Lewis and Clark explored inland, too. Here, near Browning MT is the northern most point of their expedition.

River travel was never very easy with falls, swift currents, rapids and those pesky beavers. This dam is in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

There will doubtless be more pix, so come back.